Wish me luck
Courtesy of my dear friend and dueling laptops partner extraordinaire, below are some summer opportunities for writers of color.
I attended Hurston Wright last summer, and it was the best. Kick-started my determination to finish my novel, connected with some great emerging writers (who are way too quiet, wouldn’t you agree? Or maybe they are just completely focused on their novels…hmm), and got to hang out with and learn from Mat Johnson and Chris Abani.
The conference in Ghana is my dream trip. But alas…
So…with fear and trembling, I’m applying to VONA. The deadline has been extended to the 12th, fyi.
Wish me luck, and I hope to see some of you writer-folk there!
Voices: Summer Writing Workshops for Writers of Color, San Francisco, California
June 22-28 and June 29-July 5
APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 12 at http://www.voicesatvona.org/
The Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation (VONA) celebrates its 10th anniversary of successful writing workshops by adding screenwriting to this year’s roster of compelling summer workshops. Joining the stellar VONA faculty is Gregory Howard, screenwriter of “Remember the Titans” and “Ali.” Based at the University of San Francisco, the Voices Workshop is the only multi-genre workshop in the country exclusively for writers-of-color, and draws a supportive group of writers of all ages and backgrounds. The 2008 Writing Workshops include a star-studded faculty of award-winning writers such as Junot Diaz, Chris Abani, David Mura, Elmaz Abinader, Suheir Hammad, and Ruth Forman.
Pan African Literary Forum’s Writers Conference in Ghana
July 3-18
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 15, TUITION DUE MAY 15 at http://www.panafricanliteraryforum.org
The inaugural 2008 PALF Forum will be held in Ghana, with classes and readings in Accra the 1st week and a writing retreat, along with excursions to the slave castles of Elmina, Cape Coast and other historic sites, in the nearby coastal village of Kokrobitey the 2nd week. Based at NYU campus in Accra, the conference will also include the participation of agents, editors, publishers and industry professionals. Faculty and special guests include Helon Habila, Ama Ata Aidoo, Yusef Komunyakaa, Kofi Anyidoho, Binyavanga Wainana, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Colin Channer, Kwami Dawes, Quincy Troupe and Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, among a host of others.
Hurston/Wright Writers’ Week for Writers of African Descent, Washington, DC
July 20-26
APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 21 at http://www.hurstonwright.org/hw_writers_week.shtml
The nation’s only multi-genre summer writer’s workshop for writers of African descent with a tuition-free component for high school students. Based at American University, this is a weeklong program of classes and presentations by publishers, agents and writers. Writers’ Week brings together an international community of Black writers who work in a nurturing/safe space to discuss their work, its meaning, and unique aesthetic. The workshop attracts published and unpublished writers, college students, high school students (tuition free), seniors, retirees, and professionals.
Hurston/Wright Creative Writing Intensive for High School Students Grades 8-12
July 6-25
American University, Washington DC
Submission Deadline May 9, 2008 at http://hurstonwright.org/hw_creative_writing_intensive.shtml
The creative Writing Intensive provides new opportunities for students who are interested in creative writing to develop their writing and reading skills in a nurturing group setting that celebrates Black literature. The program nurtures students’ analytical skills and motivates participants to become deeply and emotionally invested in their writing. most importantly, the creative Writing Intensive enables students to become effective communicators, which will assist them throughout their educational and professional careers – and in all aspects of life.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:17 am
As I mentioned on my blog, VONA is definitely worth attending. Last year, I attended VONA and Hurston/Wright, but VONA was just the all-around better choice (location, price, attendees, workshop leaders, etc.). There was just a different vibe and energy there.
I’m certain you’ll get in. By the way, bring warm clothes. When I attended last year the weather didn’t go any higher than 50–and that was in June.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:38 am
NaySue: Thanks for the advice and the vote of confidence!
April 8th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Good luck my sistah!
One of these days I’ll apply for entrance into one of these writer workshops. Funny thing is that I have to constantly remind myself that I am a writer as well… not just a filmmaker. After all, most films begin as written documents.
April 8th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Like I’ve told you, I still think of you primarily as a writer. But “just” a filmmaker…pshaw. I’m looking forward to a sneak peek at your current projects, btw.